The tree component in the agroforestry system 'coffee plantation with trees' in Costa Rica.
Espinoza P. L.
Author Affiliation: Proyecto CATIE/GTZ, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza, Turrialba, Costa Rica.
Chasqui, Costa Rica : 17-22
Abstract : The results are presented and discussed of a study of 117 coffee plantations on 63 estates in the zones of Acosta, Tabarcia and Puriscal. Brief data are given on the socioeconomic characteristics, estate and plantation characteristics and coffee production in each area. Three categories of plantations could be distinguished: those with (shade) trees producing one product, two products, or multiple products. The structure and composition of the tree component is described: up to ht. 7 m Citrus, Mangifera indica and Musa spp.; from 7 to 11 m Inga spp., Erythrina spp. and various other timber producing species; and at 40 m principally Cedrela odorata. Variation in coffee production is described under the 3 plantation categories, and in relation to tree cover and products.